Radev Proposes Euro Referendum

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev announced Friday that he will propose a national referendum on the country’s adoption of the euro in 2026. The question put forward is: "Do you agree for Bulgaria to adopt the single European currency euro in 2026?"

Radev framed the move as a test of democracy, asserting that Bulgarian citizens have the right to decide on key financial and economic matters. He emphasized the lack of national consensus on joining the eurozone, citing conflicting views among politicians, experts, and the public, as well as inflation and eroded trust in institutions, CE Report quotes BTA

He criticized the current political process, arguing that institutions with low public legitimacy are making strategic decisions without proper public input. According to Radev, the referendum will restore public dialogue, build trust, and foster consensus, regardless of the final outcome.

Radev warned against framing the vote as a referendum on Bulgaria’s EU membership, stating that the decision on euro adoption belongs solely to the Bulgarian people.